How to Shop the Yogurt Aisle

Shopping the yogurt aisle can be an overwhelming task. A few years ago, you could choose between a few different types of traditional-style yogurt and call it a day.  When Greek yogurt was introduced to the American market, suddenly the yogurt section became a lot larger and shopping for the perfect kind of yogurt became a tad more complicated. From traditional flavors and Greek yogurt to non-dairy and indulgent yogurts, what in the world do they all mean and which ones should you choose first? We’re here to break down some of our favorite choices for you!

Traditional Yogurt

If you’re a fan of creamy snacks, traditional yogurt is the one for you! This yogurt is unstrained and is typically made with whole, skim or two-percent milk. Compared to other styles, traditional yogurts don’t contain as much protein, but they make up for that by being a yummy snack.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is compared to traditional yogurt quite a bit. When comparing the two, Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than traditional yogurt because of the way it’s made. When Greek yogurt is made, it’s strained to remove the extra liquid whey found in traditional yogurt. This process also allows the yogurt to thicken and imparts a creamy texture as well. Because of its thickness, plain Greek yogurt is used in a lot of sauce recipes.

Non-Dairy Yogurt

Non-dairy or plant based yogurt has become one of the most popular yogurt items we currently sell. Non-dairy yogurts use alternatives such as soy, almond or coconut milk to create their product.  Though cow’s milk yogurt and plant-based alternatives sit side-by-side in the dairy case, nutritionally they may not be the same. While plant-based alternatives are often fortified with calcium and don’t contain as much protein, cow’s milk yogurt is naturally rich in certain nutrients. For example, cow’s milk yogurt contains about 8 grams of protein per serving. Some plant-based alternatives contain 1 gram of protein per serving. Therefore, you will need to read food labels carefully, remembering that nutrient content may vary between brands. Look for So Delicious, Chobani, Silk or Kite Hill products if you’re looking to try a non-dairy yogurt.

Indulgent Yogurt

Indulgent yogurts have also taken off in popularity over the last few years. A lot of people seem to be making the switch from a classic dessert after dinner to digging a spoon into indulgent yogurt, like French-style. These yogurts are very thick, fresh tasting and creamy. They have a subtle sweetness that isn’t overpowering and makes a delicious late-night snack. If you’d like to try these indulgent products, look for brands like Yoplait Oui, Noosa or Liberte.

Less Sugar Yogurt

Less sugar yogurts are made leaving a lot of the sugar behind. In fact, some less sugar yogurts have up to half the amount of sugar of their regular counterparts. They’re still a delicious addition to any refrigerator and are usually packed with protein. To create the delicious treat, some companies use ultra-filtered milk to remove most of the lactose in milk. The yogurt is intentionally less sweet than traditional yogurts. On the thickness scale, it falls between traditional and Greek yogurt. You can find less sugar yogurt options by searching for Siggi’s, Yoplait YQ, Chobani Low Sugar and Dannon Light & Fit Two Good. Make sure to always check the nutrition facts to confirm the serving size and sugar content.

Kefir

Kefir has been around for a long time, but most people don’t really know what it is or why it’s in the yogurt aisle. As one of the first drinkable yogurts on the market, Kefir has a consistency like a smoothie and a slightly tangy, but completely satisfying taste. It’s a cultured milk beverage that contains protein, calcium and vitamin D.  Similar to some kinds of yogurt, the fermentation process that the drink goes through creates probiotics, which are thought to support gut health.

Which style of yogurt is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.